December Favourites | Yearly Round Up

Happy New Year to you all! I cannot believe that in just a few short days we will be in 2016 - what a fabulous feeling. It's the perfect time of the year to reflect upon the previous 12 months. For me, this is especially poignant, as when I look back I can see just how far I've come in so many ways.
This time last year I was crying in my bed wishing that I didn't feel the way that I did. The first few months of the year were hard as I struggled with low self-esteem and my depression. Looking back it feels like it was much longer ago when I felt that way, rather than just 10 months. But a lot can change in a year.

Join me in ringing in the New Year with a look back at both my December Favourites and my Favourites from the Year.

December Favourites

Amsterdam
This was my first big travel adventure, like ever. I didn't inter-rail or go on J1 visa to America as a college student. The furthest I got was a flight to Edinburgh where my sister was studying. I picked Amsterdam for two reasons; I thought it might be snowy, and Vincent Van Gogh. It didn't snow, but I did get to immerse myself in the life and art of Van Gogh. His museum was breathtaking and I was like a school girl meeting her biggest crush as I explored his pieces and the gift shop. (Yes, I did go over-board in the gift shop) And I still got to ice-skate and explore Christmas markets, and when I left I felt very festive. Take a look at more of my photos here.


Christmas
This one might seem rather obvious, but the Christmas period was definitely one of my favourites this month. The lights, the food, the Christmas parties and get-togethers where so enjoyable. I truly loved the festivities, and had so much to do with so many people. All of my city friends and I exchanged our Christmas presents right before I headed home for the holiday. It's probably been the first year where I haven't felt a bit left out when everyone else is out celebrating Christmas.


Winter Checklist
Creating my Winter Checklist has helped me stay focused and enjoy the season. Everything from watching Frozen, to baking gingerbread cookies, getting winter boots, and making New Year resolutions have been checked off with pride. It's a bit silly that I have to write down - go to Christmas markets or go ice-skating - to ensure I actually do fun things. But that's been the nature of my busy year, and my checklist has been a fun guiding presence through the past few months.

Favourites from the Year

Employment
Being paid to do what you love doing is a pretty awesome feeling. This year brought with it some new opportunities, and a chance for 22 year old me to get her first full-time, fully paid job. It may be a temporary contract, but it's been great for my confidence to get a foot on the ladder.

New Friends
Every cloud has a silver lining. And even though I ended up working in a stressful job for two months, I ended up making amazing friends out of it. This year has been full of new experiences with amazing new people in my life, and for that I am very grateful.

New Adventures
This was the year where I finally felt confident and happy with who I am. This meant that I was more confident when it came to trying new things. I had an amazing time at Longitude, my first spa weekend away in Co. Clare and I traveled to Amsterdam just earlier this month. Exploring and experiencing new places is very high up my to-do list for next year, and I can't wait to carry on the new adventures for another 12 months.

Old Favourites
There have also been the old reliables this year. My friends from school, college and housemates have continued to be the most fun and supportive people I surround myself with. And I look forward to new adventures with these people. My wonderful pet family extended to bring in a new pup this year, and the rare weekend that I do get to go back home is glorious.

It's been a fun 2015, and with my Romeo Project getting under way come 1st January, I'm excited about 2016 too.

See you all soon,